Immunoglobulin Y Levels in Egg Yolk From Three Chicken Genotypes

Laying hens are very efficient producers of antibodies and provide an interesting alternative for large-scale production of specific antibodies. These antibodies also have biochemical advantages over mammalian antibodies (e.g. rabbit antibodies) that can be used to improve immunoassays where antibodies are used. The concentration of IgY in egg yolk is an important production parameter. The purpose of this study was to investigate the genetic variation of IgY levels in egg yolk. We have compared IgY concentrations in egg yolks from two lines, selected for egg production traits at the Swedish University for Agricultural Sciences (Single Comb White Leghorn and Rhode Island Red) and a cross between the two lines (SLU-1392). Single Comb White Leghorns have the highest mean concentration of yolk IgY, 2.21 mg ml^-1 compared to SLU-1392 1.95 mg ml^-1 and Rhode Island Red 1.68 mg ml^-1. The cross thus had an intermediate IgY concentration in relation two the two other lines. There were great differences between individual animals within each line. Our results indicate that it should be possible to increase yolk antibody production by using a high producing chicken line and by genetic selection within the line. We found three individuals with very low yolk IgY concentrations among the Rhode Island Red hens. Newly hatched chickens with limited amounts of IgY from the hen may be more susceptible to infections.     

Rupture of the extensor pollicis longus tendon: a study of aetiological factors.

Although rupture of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon is a well-known complication of distal radial fractures, a number of patients rupture the EPL because of other conditions. We have retrospectively studied the aetiology of 27 ruptures of the EPL in 26 consecutive patients. Of 19 patients with injured wrists 12 had distal radial fractures, five had blunt trauma, and two had stab wounds that resulted in rupture. In the radial fractures operated on, the EPL rupture was caused by chafing against a dorsal plate (n = 2) or wear against the pins of an external fixator (n = 2). Six patients were taking steroids for systemic diseases and in two cases a local steroid injection was given just before the rupture. We conclude that previous injury is the most common cause of rupture of the EPL. but that rheumatoid arthritis or local or systemic steroids, or both, are also important aetiological factors. Seven patients had an iatrogenic cause for their rupture.     

Prostaglandins and CGRP release from cardiac sensory nerves

Summary (1) The possible influence of Prostaglandins (PG) E₁ and I₂ as well as ischaemia, ouabain and bradykinin on the outflow of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)- and neuropeptide Y (NPY)-like immunoreactivity (LI) from the guinea-pig heart was studied in vitro. (2) Exposure to PGE₁ (10^–5 M), but not PGI₂ (10^–5 M), induced an increased outflow, suggesting release of CGRP-LI. PGE₁ simultaneously increased the contractile force and heart rate while no effects were observed on perfusate volume or outflow of NPY-LI. PGI₂ had no effect on contractile parameters or coronary flow. In separate experiments on capsaicin-pretreated animals, the stimulatory effects of PGE₁ on heart rate and contractile force remained unchanged while no increased CGRP-LI outflow was detectable. (3) Ouabain, bradykinin and reperfusion after total stop-flow ischaemia was associated with an indomethacin-resistant increase in perfusate levels of CGRP-LI but not of NPY-LI. While ouabain markedly increased the contractile force, exposure to bradykinin or ischaemia did not induce any clear-cut changes in contractile force or heart rate. (4) Capsaicin-exposure evoked a markedly increased outflow of CGRP-LI but not of NPY-LI in combination with an increase in heart rate and a decrease in contractile force. Repeated administration of capsaicin induced tachyphylaxis. The stimulatory effects of capsaicin on CGRP-LI outflow and heart rate, but not the negative inotropic effect, did not occur in capsaicin-pretreated animals. (5) It is concluded that PGE₁, but not PGI₂, can activate cardiac capsaicin-sensitive fibres as revealed by increased outflow of CGRP-LI. The cardiostimulatory effects induced by PGE₁ are not related to CGRP release, however. A possible prostaglandin link in the CGRP-LI released by ouabain, bradykinin or ischaemia seems unlikely. Send offprint requests to: A. Franco-Cereceda at the above address     

Human spumaretrovirus antibody reactivity in multiple sclerosis

The role of human spumaretrovirus (HSRV) infections in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) was investigated with recombinant HSRV env-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The presence of HSRV antibodies was determined in pairs of serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from 60 MS patients. In 7 of these patients serial serum and CSF samples were obtained in relation to the clinical activity of the disease during a period of 2 years. No increased antibody reactivity was demonstrable in the MS population compared with 14 aseptic meningitis patients, 50 blood donors and 16 healthy controls. Slightly elevated levels of antibodies were demonstrable in serum and/or CSF in 4 MS patients but also in 1 patient with aseptic meningitis, 1 blood donor and 1 child. No marked serum or CSF HSRV antibody fluctuation was observed in the MS patients followed longitudinally. Thus, this study does not support the involvement of HSRV in the pathogenesis of MS.     

Saturation analysis of specific 11C Ro 15-1788 binding to the human neocortex using positron emission tomography

The ¹¹C-labelled benzodiazepine antagonist Ro 15–1788 (flumazenil) and positron emission tomography (PET) were used to determine quantitative characteristics of benzodiazepine receptor binding in the neocortex of healthy young men. Saturating doses of unlabelled flumazenil administered i.v., before or together with the ligand-reduced ¹¹C-flumazenil accumulation in the neocortex by about 90 per cent. Saturating doses of unlabelled flumazenil had little effect on the accumulation of radioactivity in the benzodiazepine receptor-poor regions such as pons or white matter. By giving graded doses of unlabelled flumazenil together with the tracer, saturation isotherms were obtained allowing the calculation of receptor density (B_max) and equilibrium dissociation constant (K_d) values on the basis of certain assumptions B_max values were in the order of 90 pmol/g and K_d values in the order of 10 nM in the neocortex. Scatchard and Hill plots of the radioactivity data indicated that ¹¹C-flumazenil binds to saturable sites of a homogeneous population. The data indicate that intravenous doses of 1 or 2 mg flumazenil result in a benzodiazepine receptor occupancy of about 50 per cent. The method described should be useful for studying regional differences in benzodiazepine receptor characteristics in the living human brain in healthy subjects and neuropsychiatric disorders, and also in relation to treatment with drugs interacting with benzodiazepine receptors.     

Total-videoendoskopische Strumaresektion via“axillobilateral breast approach”

BACKGROUND: The axillobilateral breast approach (ABBA) is a procedure allowing thyroid resection without scarring at the neck. We operated on a series of 26 patients with this technique. METHOD: Via incisions at the edge of the mamilla and axilla, trocars are placed subcutaneously under the platyma. Dissection is performed bluntly and with an ultrasonographic scalpel under videoscopic control. The procedure itself corresponds to conventional surgery. The specimen is removed through the axillary trocar. RESULTS: Twenty-six female patients underwent thyroid resection using the ABBA technique. Subtotal resection was performed in 24. Mean operation times were 111 min (unilateral) and 187 min (bilateral). In none of these cases was conversion necessary. One transient recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy and one paresis of the arm plexus were found postoperatively. CONCLUSION: In selected patients the ABBA technique is feasible and safe with the mandatory radicalness. The primary aim of this method is the cosmetic result.